Modern Cruiser Face-Off: Harley Sportster S vs. Indian Scout Rogue vs. Honda Rebel 1100

Looking to step into the 1100–1250cc cruiser class without going full dresser? Three bikes dominate the conversation right now: Harley-Davidson’s Sportster S, Indian’s Scout Rogue/Sport Scout, and Honda’s Rebel 1100. On paper they live in the same neighborhood, but out on the road they speak very different dialects. Here’s a rider-centric look at what you get—power, personality, tech, and value—so you can pick the one that fits your style.

Meet the Machines

Harley-Davidson Sportster S (2025)

Harley’s hot-rod Sportster S packs the Revolution Max 1250T liquid-cooled V-twin, good for 121 hp @ 7,500 rpm and 93 ft-lb @ 5,750 rpm. Curb weight lands at 503 lb (running order), and base MSRP sits around $15,999. Aluminum chassis, modern electronics, and a TFT dash signal this isn’t your dad’s Sportster—it’s the most dynamic of the trio.

Indian Scout Rogue / Sport Scout (2025)

Indian’s answer is the SpeedPlus 1,250cc liquid-cooled V-twin, delivering roughly 105 hp and 82 ft-lb. Figure ~545 lb running weight, 6-speed with a slipper clutch, and an MSRP of about $13,499 for the Sport Scout (the Rogue’s 2024 numbers were similar). Think premium fit and finish, classic lines, and that smooth, linear V-twin surge.

Honda Rebel 1100 (2025)

Honda keeps it nimble and friendly with an 1083cc Unicam parallel-twin (~87 hp, ~70 ft-lb), a low 27.5 in seat, and 487 lb curb weight. Choose a 6-speed manual or optional DCT. Base MSRP is about $9,599 (dest. $775). It’s the value play—light, approachable, and seriously capable.

Same displacement ballpark (1100–1250cc), very different vibes: Sportster S = modern muscle; Sport Scout = premium American cruiser feel; Rebel 1100 = agility and value.

How They Pull: Engine & Performance

Sportster S — The Revolution Max 1250T is tuned for meaty midrange. With 121 hp / 93 ft-lb, ride modes, Brembo stoppers, and WP suspension, this is one of the punchiest “1200” cruisers out there. Expect low-3s 0–60 and handling that feels unusually agile for a cruiser.

Sport Scout (Scout Rogue) — Indian’s new 1,250cc 4V motor serves smooth, linear power (about 105 hp / 82 ft-lb). Sibling models clock mid-3s 0–60, and you get ride modes, Brembos, and a 47 mm fork/monoshock setup that makes freeway miles effortless.

Rebel 1100 — The 1083cc parallel-twin focuses on tractable torque (~87 hp). It’s the lightest of the bunch, so it feels lively off the line. Selectable power modes and optional DCT keep it approachable. Acceleration is brisk for the class, but it won’t thump like the big V-twins.

Living With Them: Design & Ergonomics

Sportster S — Muscular minimalism: blacked-out engine, modern cues, and a round TFT. The stance is a bit sporty (mid-mounts, low bar), 28.9 in seat height, and neutral cornering thanks to the updated chassis. It corners flatter than older Sportsters.

Sport Scout / Scout Rogue — Classic cruiser silhouette: teardrop tank, sculpted fenders, highway bars. It’s heftier (~545 lb) with a relaxed posture (forward pegs, swept bars). A ~25° rake gives stability, while some variants add footboards and a generous saddle for touring days.

Rebel 1100 — Scaled-down custom look with round headlight and a tidy tail. The 27.5 in seat and 487 lb weight keep it easy in town. You sit upright on mid-mount pegs and wide bars; the Rebel 1100T (touring) adds a windshield and a slightly taller seat for longer hauls.

Tech & Toys: What You Actually Use

Sportster S — Fully modern for a Harley: 4″ color TFT with turn-by-turn (H-D Google integration), LED lighting, switchable ABS, and Cornering Rider Modes (Rain/Road/Sport). Harley’s Reflex Defensive Rider Systems (cornering ABS + traction control) come standard.

Sport Scout / Scout Rogue — Indian ups the spec with a 4.3″ TFT (replacing analog), ABS, optional cruise, phone connectivity on higher trims, LED lighting, and keyless options. It’s a tech-rich cruiser experience.

Rebel 1100 — The essentials done right: full LCD instrument, ABS (switchable on the 1100T), ride modes (Tour/Eco/Standard), and Honda Smartphone Voice Control (optional). No cornering ABS, but you do get lean-sensitive traction control. DCT adds walking mode and hill-hold.

Price & Value: Where the Dollars Land

Sportster S — $15,999 (+ dest. $795). Pricier than the Honda, less than many big tourers. You’re paying for power, premium components, and the H-D network.

Sport Scout / Scout Rogue — Around $13.5K base. Strong value for a big V-twin cruiser. Fully loaded, Roadmaster-style siblings can climb past $20K—but the Sport Scout hits the sweet spot.

Rebel 1100 — Starts ~$9,599 (dest. $775). Even the Rebel 1100T stays under ~$11.5K. Dollar-for-cc and feature set, the Rebel is hard to beat.

Quick Takes: Who Each Bike Suits

• Sportster S — You want Harley heritage with sportbike punch and cutting-edge tech. You’ll appreciate a firmer, sharper ride and that Revo Max rush.
• Sport Scout / Scout Rogue — You’re after premium American cruiser feel with smooth V-twin power, modern amenities, and easy long-haul manners.
• Rebel 1100 — You prioritize value, agility, and accessibility. You like a low seat, lighter weight, and the option of DCT for stress-free commuting and touring.

Here’s a clean, skimmable comparison table you can drop right into the blog:

At-a-glance performance feel

• Sportster S: low-3s 0–60 (reported), sharpest handling of the three for a cruiser.
• Sport Scout: mid-3s 0–60 (sibling ref.), smooth/linear V-twin, relaxed long-haul manners.
• Rebel 1100: brisk for class; lightest and most agile, most approachable day-to-day (DCT option).

Final Word

All three inject modern performance into classic cruiser style—just with different priorities. If your heart wants raw midrange muscle and top-shelf tech, the Sportster S is your ticket. If you crave silky V-twin charm and premium fit-and-finish, the Sport Scout will feel like home. And if you want the best bang-for-buck, lightest feel, and day-to-day ease, the Rebel 1100 is tough to argue with.

Whichever way you lean, you’re getting a capable, contemporary cruiser that doesn’t forget why we fell in love with bikes in the first place.

Bike n Rider Staff

We are a team of seasoned news writers with over five years of journalism experience, driven by passion for storytelling.